Toluene CAS 108-88-3
Chelora Chemicals supplies nitration-grade and industrial-grade toluene to paint, adhesive, TDI and aromatics producers worldwide. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA covering purity, non-aromatics, sulphur and colour, the current SDS and full dangerous-goods documentation.
Also known as: Methylbenzene · Toluol · Phenylmethane · Methylbenzol · TOL
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for Toluene, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (GC purity, colour, sulphur, non-aromatics)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Transport and dangerous-goods documents
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is Toluene?
Toluene is a single-ring aromatic with one methyl group, formula C₇H₈. It is a clear, colourless, flammable liquid with a sweet solvent odour, boiling at about 111 °C and freezing far below ambient at −95 °C.
The methyl group is what distinguishes it commercially. It can be oxidised to benzoic acid, nitrated to TNT or to toluene diisocyanate precursors, chlorinated to benzyl derivatives, or simply stripped off to make benzene.
In volume terms, toluene splits three ways: conversion to benzene and xylenes, use as a solvent in paints, inks, adhesives and extraction, and use as a chemical intermediate for TDI, benzoic acid and benzyl products.
A large share of global toluene is also blended into gasoline for its octane value, which means refinery economics compete directly with chemical demand for the same molecule.
Why Toluene specifically
- A reactive methyl group. Unlike benzene, toluene offers a side chain that can be oxidised, chlorinated or nitrated selectively.
- A safer aromatic solvent. Toluene has replaced benzene in most solvent uses because it is not classified as a carcinogen.
- A benzene source. Hydrodealkylation and disproportionation convert toluene back to benzene and xylenes as markets demand.
- High octane. Blending value in gasoline sets a floor under the price and competes with chemical demand.
How Toluene is Manufactured
Toluene is produced wherever aromatics are made, principally in refining and steam cracking, then purified to the grade the buyer needs.
- Catalytic reforming. Naphtha reforming produces reformate containing roughly 15 to 25% toluene alongside benzene and xylenes.
- Pyrolysis gasoline recovery. Hydrotreated pygas from naphtha crackers provides a second aromatics-rich stream.
- Aromatics extraction. Toluene is separated from non-aromatics by extractive distillation or solvent extraction with sulpholane or NMP.
- Fractionation. Distillation separates the toluene cut from benzene and from the C8 aromatics.
- Coke oven light oil. A small share still comes from coal carbonisation, with a different sulphur and unsaturates profile.
- Clay treating and finishing. Final treatment removes trace olefins and colour bodies to meet acid wash colour and nitration-grade requirements.
Typical Commercial Specification
Figures below are representative of commercial nitration-grade toluene. Solvent and industrial grades carry wider limits — tell us the use and we will send the matching sheet.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear colourless liquid, free of suspended matter |
| Purity | 99.9% min nitration grade (99.5% min industrial) |
| Non-aromatics | To grade, typically 0.10% max |
| Benzene | To grade, typically 0.05% max |
| C8 aromatics | To grade, typically 0.05% max |
| Total sulphur | To grade, typically 1 ppm max |
| Water | To grade, typically 300 ppm max |
| Acid wash colour | No. 1 max |
| Colour (Pt-Co) | 10 max |
| Distillation range | Within 1 °C including 110.6 °C |
| Copper corrosion | Class 1 |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₇H₈ (C₆H₅CH₃) |
| Molecular weight | 92.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colourless liquid, sweet aromatic odour |
| Boiling point | 110.6 °C |
| Melting point | −95 °C |
| Flash point | About 4 °C (closed cup) |
| Density | 0.867 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapour pressure | About 2.9 kPa at 20 °C |
| Vapour density (relative to air) | 3.1, heavier than air |
| Flammable limits in air | About 1.1 to 7.1% by volume |
| Autoignition temperature | About 480 °C |
| Solubility in water | Low (about 0.5 g/L at 20 °C) |
| Evaporation rate (BuAc = 1) | About 2.0 |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers, nitric and sulphuric acid mixtures, halogens |
Behaviour in the process
Toluene is a stable, well-behaved solvent, and its handling profile is defined by flammability and solvency rather than reactivity:
- Flammable at ambient. Flash point near 4 °C means vapour is flammable in most working environments.
- Strong solvency. Dissolves resins, oils, rubbers and many coatings; attacks some elastomers and plastics.
- Static accumulation. Low conductivity means charge builds during splash filling. Bonding and earthing are essential.
- Stable to storage. No peroxide or polymerisation issues; colour and water are the only practical ageing checks.
Toluene Grades and Alternative Solvents
Toluene is bought by grade, and the grade is defined by what the downstream reaction or formulation tolerates.
| Material | Origin / type | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| Nitration-grade toluene | 99.9%+, acid wash colour No. 1 | TDI chain, benzoic acid, nitration and fine chemistry |
| Industrial-grade toluene | 99.5%+ | General solvent use, adhesives, inks, thinners |
| Solvent-grade toluene | Wider specification, low benzene | Paints, coatings and cleaning where colour is non-critical |
| Xylene / mixed xylenes | C₈ aromatics, CAS 1330-20-7 | Slower-evaporating aromatic solvent for coatings |
| Benzene | C₆ aromatic, CAS 71-43-2 | Chemical feedstock only; not an acceptable solvent substitute on health grounds |
Stated plainly: as a solvent, toluene competes with xylene and with oxygenated solvents on evaporation rate and regulation rather than on chemistry. As a feedstock for TDI or benzoic acid, nothing substitutes for it.
Industries We Supply Toluene To
The same clear liquid goes to a coatings plant, a TDI unit and an aromatics complex. What changes is the grade, the benzene limit and the colour specification each requires.
Where Toluene is Used
Toluene is bought both as a solvent and as a chemical feedstock, and the two markets rarely overlap in grade.
As an industrial solvent
Toluene has a balanced evaporation rate, strong solvency for resins and a low water content, which makes it the default aromatic solvent in coatings and adhesives. Benzene content is the specification that matters most, since regulatory limits on residual benzene in solvents are now tight in nearly all markets.
In the TDI chain
Toluene is nitrated to dinitrotoluene, hydrogenated to toluene diamine and phosgenated to toluene diisocyanate for flexible polyurethane foam. The nitration step is where acid wash colour and olefin content matter, because reactive impurities generate tars and consume acid.
Need a specific grade, purity and packing format?
Tell us the grade, the grade, the benzene limit and the colour specification, the packing format you can receive and the annual quantity. We will come back with a price, a lead time, a sample COA and the full documentation set.
Quality Control & Testing
Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with colour and acid wash results reported alongside purity because they matter in both solvent and nitration uses.
- Purity — by gas chromatography against the grade specification.
- Benzene content — reported because regulatory limits on residual benzene are tight.
- Non-aromatics and C8 aromatics — measured as the main purity detractors.
- Acid wash colour — the sensitive test for reactive impurities before nitration.
- Colour (Pt-Co) and appearance — confirming freedom from contamination and rust.
- Total sulphur — measured because sulphur poisons downstream catalysts.
- Distillation range and density — confirming the cut is on specification.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
When toluene causes trouble, it is usually benzene content, colour, water or static. This table is the shortcut our technical desk works through before anyone opens a complaint file.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Benzene above the regulatory limit in the finished product | Benzene carry-over in the toluene | Benzene figure on the COA and your blend calculation |
| Dark colour or tar in nitration | Olefins or reactive impurities in the feed | Acid wash colour result and clay treater performance |
| Haze or water separation in the drum | Moisture pick-up during transfer or storage | Water content, tank breathing and drier operation |
| Slow drying in a coating | Heavier aromatics or solvent blend drift | Distillation range and C8 aromatics figure |
| Static discharge during filling | Splash filling of a low-conductivity liquid | Bonding, earthing and bottom-fill procedure |
| Odour complaints from the delivered material | Sulphur species or contamination in transport | Total sulphur, copper corrosion and tank cleanliness |
| Resin not dissolving fully | Grade or purity different from the previous lot | Purity and non-aromatics against the previous COA |
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
- Standard packing. 200 L drums, flexitanks, ISO tank containers, road tankers and bulk parcels.
- Storage. Cool, well-ventilated, earthed and bunded flammable-liquid storage away from ignition sources.
- Static control. Bond and earth all equipment and use bottom filling; toluene accumulates static charge readily.
- Material compatibility. Carbon steel and stainless steel are standard. Toluene attacks many elastomers and coatings — check hose and seal specification.
- Moisture control. Nitrogen blanketing or a desiccant breather where low water content is required.
- Segregation. Keep apart from oxidisers, acids and halogens.
- Shelf life. Indefinite in sealed, dry storage. Colour and water are the practical checks.
- Transport classification. UN 1294, toluene, Class 3 flammable liquid, packing group II.
Hazards & Safe Handling
Toluene is a highly flammable liquid with reproductive and central nervous system hazards. It is not classified as a carcinogen, which is why it has replaced benzene in most solvent uses, but it still requires proper exposure control.
- Flammability. Flash point about 4 °C and a flammable range of roughly 1.1 to 7.1%. Control ignition sources, bond and earth all transfer equipment.
- Health classification. Suspected of damaging the unborn child (Category 2) and may cause damage to organs through prolonged exposure. Not classified as carcinogenic.
- Occupational exposure. Typical limits are in the range of 20 to 50 ppm as an 8-hour average; confirm the limit in your jurisdiction.
- Narcotic effects. High vapour concentrations cause dizziness, headache and impaired coordination. Ventilate enclosed spaces and monitor.
- Aspiration hazard. Swallowing and aspirating liquid can cause chemical pneumonitis. Never induce vomiting.
- Skin contact. Defats skin and causes dermatitis on repeated contact. Use chemical-resistant gloves.
- Deliberate misuse. Toluene is subject to abuse by inhalation, so secure storage and stock control are expected in many jurisdictions.
- Environment. Harmful to aquatic life; prevent entry to drains and watercourses.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
Toluene is a widely traded industrial solvent with established transport and occupational controls. The notes below are orientation rather than legal advice — confirm your own position with your regulatory adviser.
- GHS classification. Flammable liquid Category 2, reproductive toxicity Category 2, STOT RE Category 2, skin irritant and aspiration hazard.
- Benzene content limits. Residual benzene in solvents is restricted in the EU and many other markets; nitration and solvent grades carry a declared benzene figure for this reason.
- REACH and inventories. Registered under EU REACH and listed on the major chemical inventories, with restrictions on consumer adhesive and spray products.
- Dangerous goods transport. UN 1294, Class 3, PG II. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT requirements apply to packaging, labelling and routing.
- Precursor and abuse controls. Some jurisdictions monitor toluene sales because of solvent abuse and illicit synthesis concerns; end-use declarations may be requested.
- VOC regulation. Solvent use is subject to VOC emission limits in coatings and printing in many regions.
We Supply Toluene Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship Toluene from India and from partner sources to customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North and South America, handling the export documentation, transport paperwork and freight so the material arrives ready to use.
- Incoterms. EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR and DAP quoted to suit your purchasing terms and freight arrangements.
- Ports. Regular shipments through Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, with other ports arranged where routing and cargo rules allow.
- Documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, COA, SDS and the transport declaration issued as a complete set.
- Flexible volumes. From a pallet of drums up to repeat bulk shipments on a supply contract.
- Supply continuity. Because we are independent of any one producer, a plant turnaround or a shipping disruption at one source does not have to become your stock-out.
Buying Toluene from Chelora
We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For toluene that means settling three things at enquiry: the grade and benzene limit, the packing format that suits your receiving setup, and whether colour and acid wash results are part of your release criteria.
- Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA (GC purity, colour, sulphur, non-aromatics), plus SDS and the full transport paperwork.
- Analysis before commitment. Representative analysis shared ahead of a commercial order so your lab can qualify the material.
- Quantities. From a pallet of drums through to full bulk shipments on contract supply.
- Grade matching. Nitration, industrial or solvent grade matched to your benzene limit and colour requirement.
- Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
- Related products. Benzene, Mixed Xylenes, Methyl Ethyl Ketone and other feedstocks alongside Toluene from one supplier.
How ordering works
- Send the enquiry. Product, grade or purity, quantity, destination port and the Incoterm you buy on. If you have a spec sheet, attach it — it saves a round trip.
- We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
- Qualify the supply. For first orders or critical applications, we share the analysis and handling documentation so your technical and safety teams can sign off before you commit.
- Confirm the order. Proforma invoice issued; payment terms agreed against the volume and the relationship.
- Allocation and QC. Material allocated and released against a batch-specific COA, with an independent inspection where the contract calls for it.
- Ship and document. Filled, labelled and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.
Toluene — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about Toluene. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of toluene?
The CAS number for toluene is 108-88-3, and its EC number is 203-625-9. Its molecular formula is C₇H₈ with a molecular weight of 92.14 g/mol, and it is classified under HS code 2902.30.
What is toluene used for?
As a solvent in paints, adhesives, inks and industrial cleaning, as the feedstock for toluene diisocyanate and benzoic acid, as a source of benzene and xylenes by hydrodealkylation and disproportionation, and as a high-octane gasoline blendstock.
Do you supply toluene worldwide?
Yes. Chelora Chemicals supplies and exports toluene worldwide — across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, as well as throughout India. Every consignment carries the COA, the SDS and the dangerous-goods documentation.
What is the difference between nitration grade and industrial grade?
Nitration grade is 99.9% minimum with an acid wash colour of No. 1 and tight limits on olefins and sulphur, for nitration and fine chemistry. Industrial grade is 99.5% minimum with wider colour and impurity limits, for general solvent use.
How is toluene manufactured?
Mainly by extraction from catalytic reformate and hydrotreated pyrolysis gasoline, using extractive or solvent extraction, followed by fractionation. A small share still comes from coke oven light oil.
Is toluene safer than benzene?
In health terms, yes. Toluene is not classified as a carcinogen, which is why it replaced benzene in solvent applications. It is still a highly flammable liquid with reproductive and neurological hazards and needs proper exposure control.
What are the UN number and transport class?
UN 1294, toluene, Class 3 flammable liquid, packing group II. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT rules apply to the packaging, labelling and routing.
How should toluene be stored?
In cool, well-ventilated, earthed and bunded flammable-liquid storage away from ignition sources and oxidisers, with bonding during transfer because toluene accumulates static charge.
What packing sizes and order quantities are available?
200 L drums, flexitanks, ISO tank containers, road tankers and bulk parcels. Orders run from a pallet of drums up to repeat bulk cargoes on contract supply.
Why is benzene content specified in toluene?
Because toluene is produced alongside benzene and traces carry over, and residual benzene in solvents is tightly restricted by regulation. The declared benzene figure on the COA is what lets you demonstrate compliance in your finished product.
What is acid wash colour?
A test in which the toluene is shaken with sulphuric acid; reactive impurities such as olefins darken the acid layer. It detects contaminants that a purity test can miss and that would cause tar formation during nitration.
What is the typical shelf life?
Indefinite in sealed, dry storage. Toluene does not form peroxides or polymerise; colour and water content are the practical checks on older stock.
Ready to source Toluene?
Send us your specification, grade and annual volume. You will get a price, a realistic lead time and a sample COA from someone who understands what the material has to do in your process — delivered anywhere in the world.